Saturday, January 30, 2016

A few weeks ago I received an email from Denise Weimer asking if I would be interested in reading and reviewing a new book she had coming out soon, White. I read the book blurb, and since I enjoy learning about new authors decided I would give it a try. Good new is, I'm glad I did.

White is set in modern times, but has a back story and rich history set much further back in time. The book moves at a comfortable pace as the modern-day characters learn more about themselves and about each other while digging into the history of the property they are restoring. Many questions arise and resolve as the story progresses. Faith is an important element of the journey the characters travel.

Even though the characters are fictional, there is a historical basis to the story, This book fits into a category I have come to really enjoy, one where I can learn history lessons in the setting of an engaging novel.

And I noticed one little tidbit only we true southerners who have moved a little ways north can fully appreciate: at WalMart the characters put their purchases in "buggies," not "carts." That was written by a bona fide southerner!

The restoration project and characters around which White is set provide the material for two more stories. I am anxious to get the chance to read the rest of the story as those books are published.

Thanks to Denise and her publisher for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

As historic preservationist Jennifer and brooding bachelor Michael
restore his ancestors’ historic doctor’s residence in a rural Georgia
community, they uncover the 1920s-era prejudice and secrets that caused
Michael’s branch to fall off the family tree. Reserved recent graduate
Jennifer’s determined to fulfill her first professional position with
integrity even if her employer lacks a proper appreciation of history.
Far more challenging – and sinister – than the social landscape of
Hermon are the strange accidents hinting that someone doesn’t want them
on the Dunham property. Yet Michael’s and Jennifer’s owns pasts pose the
biggest obstacles to laying a fresh foundation of family and community.

Denise Weimer is a native Georgia resident,
writer and history lover. Her four-book, mid-1800s Georgia Gold Series
with Canterbury House Publishing (SAUTEE SHADOWS, THE GRAY DIVIDE, THE
CRIMSON BLOOM, and BRIGHT AS GOLD) combines historical romance with a
touch of mystery. BRIGHT AS GOLD won the 2015 John Esten Cooke award for
Southern literature. New in 2016, the Restoration Trilogy (WHITE,
WIDOW, and WITCH) features a modern, suspenseful romantic over-story of a
historical preservation grad helping a brooding bachelor restore his
family property (house, apothecary and log cabin) with three historical
back stories they uncover from three different centuries. She is also the
author of historical novella REDEEMING GRACE and numerous magazine
articles set in Northeast Georgia. Denise is a wife, swim mom of two
daughters, and for many years directed a vintage dance group. Visit Denise at http://deniseweimerbooks.webs.com/

There is one thing you can always count on in a Terri Blackstock book -- page-turning suspense from beginning to end. And that is just what I found in If I Run! It was a story that I definitely hated to put down when I finally had to give up and go to bed.

The story grabs you from the very beginning at the scene of a murder, inside the mind of the obvious suspect. First person is sometimes a little tricky, but Terri does a great job of developing the story and the all-important back stories from the perspectives of Casey and Dylan, the military veteran who has been hired to find her.

Of course, there are lots of twists and turns to the story as you turn the pages of the book, events that keep you on the edge of your seat as Casey and Dylan both search for the truth. And other characters you meet along the way, like Miss Lucy and others, add lots of dimension as the story builds momentum. I was blown away by the end of the book and not ready for the story to end!

In other words, this is just what you would expect from Terri Blackstock -- a five-star story of suspense with a rich undercurrent of faith! I highly recommend If I Run and look forward to the continuing story.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking
to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before
she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan
Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him
damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime
scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding
up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s
skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t
guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more
time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he
is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a
psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the
most deadly weapon yet.

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a
New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of
“Intervention,” “Vicious Cycle,” and “Downfall,” as well as such series
as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the
Restoration Series.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

There are lots of questions in an Irene Hannon romantic suspense novel -- but never a question about how great it will be. As I have come to expect in her stories, Thin Ice grabbed me from the very beginning and gripped tighter and tighter to the very end!

Irene Hannon once again writes with class and style. Her characters and plot are complex and intriguing. She does not tidy up all the problems in quick, unrealistic ways but carries the suspense out to a riveting resolution. Her characters, no matter how good, have realistic flaws that add interest to the story. The romantic element is important and presented in a way that is both exciting and tasteful. In her comments at the end of the book, Irene mentions the experts she has gone to for research, and the benefits of that research show through in her story. And she weaves faith into the story in a very comfortable manner.

In other words, "Wow!" This is another hit, and I highly recommend Thin Ice for anyone looking for a great story. I am looking forward to the next book in this series where the third McGregor brother will apparently be the focus.

Thanks to Revell Publishing for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave?

After
losing her parents and her sister, Christy Reed has been mired in
grief. Now, life is finally starting to feel normal again--until an
envelope addressed in her sister's handwriting arrives in the mail. And
the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent
Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the
case . . . but he's coming up with more questions than answers. Is
Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a
sinister plot? As Lance digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: someone in
the shadows has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and
three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon pulls out all the stops in
this high-stakes thriller that races to a bone-chilling finish.

About the Author:

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including That Certain Summer, One Perfect Spring,
and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice
series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from
Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, three HOLT Medallions, a
Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews
magazine, a Retailers' Choice Award, a Booksellers' Best Award, and a
National Readers' Choice Award. In addition, she is a two-time Christy
Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its
"Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri.
Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

If the first book is any indication, Shelley Shepard Gray's Charmed Amish Life series is certain to be one of her very best!

From the very beginning of A Son's Vow Shelley draws you into the lives of people who are dealing with loss, hurt, anger, and fear because of a tragic accident that affected several families in the idyllic little town of Charm. Some have begun to move on from their loss, while others can't let go of the anger that continues to touch everyone around them.

Shelley fills the story with realistic emotion that causes you to care about the characters and look for them to find healing and hope for their lives.

I highly recommend A Son's Vow tofans of great Amish fiction or anyone interested in a story of faith that leads from loss and hurt to hope and healing.

Thanks to Shelley and her publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Three months ago, everything changed for Darla Kurtz and her family.
Darla’s father was responsible for a terrible fire at Charm’s lumber
mill which killed five Amish men. And though he, too, lost his life, the
town of Charm hasn’t looked at her family the same since. Even Lukas
Kinsinger—with whom Darla used to have a close friendship.

Now her brother’s anger at the town is spilling over onto Darla, and
she has the bruises to prove it. The accident already cost five lives,
but if something doesn’t change soon, Darla fears it will cost her—and
her family—even more.

Lukas Kinsinger wants to mourn the loss of his father, but he can
hardly find the time to breathe. Suddenly the head of his father’s
lumber mill and responsible for taking care of his three siblings, he’s
feeling the pressure. He has also never felt more alone—especially with
the new tension between he and Darla. But when he learns of her troubles
at home, Lukas knows he can’t simply stand by and watch. Someone has to
help her before another tragedy occurs.

As Lukas and Darla attempt to repair their families, they discover
something deeper than friendship growing between them. But will Lukas
and Darla’s love be accepted after so much loss? Or will the pain of the
past overcome any chance of future happiness?

About the Author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is
a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a
finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol
Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio,
where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found
walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.Find Shelley online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Colleen Coble has given us another great romantic mystery in her second Sunset Cove novel, Mermaid Moon.

As is expected in Colleen's stories, she keeps you guessing through the twists and turns of the story. You know there is more to the characters than meets the eye, but exactly how they all fit together is what keeps you turning the pages. Answers to some of the biggest questions take you by surprise, providing resolution in unexpected ways through unexpected people.

As Mallory fights for her very life, she and Keven also find themselves fighting for answers to brokenness from the past and how to forgive themselves and others. An element of faith, although not the biggest theme of the book, shows through in their search.

Fans of good clean romantic suspense should enjoy Mermaid Moon. If you have read The Inn At Ocean's Edge, the first Sunset Cove novel, you will recognize the setting and some of the characters. But if you haven't, Mermaid Moon can work well as a stand-alone story.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Mallory's mother died fifteen years ago. But her father's last words on the phone were unmistakable: "Find . . . mother."

Shame
and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last
fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat
route, she doesn't have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.

Mallory
believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin
O'Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But
Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his
heart---and left---without a word, years ago.

When Mallory begins
receiving threats on her own life---and her beloved teenage daughter,
Haylie---their search intensifies. There's a tangled web within the
supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.

As
answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about
more than finding her father's killer---it is also about finding herself
again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with
Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces
together.

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn, Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Her books have sold more than 3 million copies.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Rising Darkness, book 3 in Nancy Mehl's Finding Sanctuary series, is the sixth book that I've read of hers -- and it's definitely the best yet!

Set once again in the fictional Missouri Mennonite town of Sanctuary, "old friends" show up to interact with new characters -- and there is a significant connection to Nancy's three Road to Kingdom stories. There is a Mennonite "flavor" to the story, but readers who have no particular interest in that genre can find plenty to enjoy in this book.

This story has the perfect mix of romance, suspense and faith. The characters' stories are revealed at just the right pace to keep the interest level high. This was a story where I had a hard time finding a place to stop; the end of each chapter enticed me to read "just one more."

I highly recommend Rising Darkness to fans of great Christian fiction. It is not necessary to read this series in order, but I would recommend the first two as well worth your time.

Thanks to Nancy and her publisher for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of
shame and regret. Certain she's left her past far behind her, she's now
focused on her job at a newspaper and is shocked when she stumbles upon
the name of someone she knew in her old life. But when she learns the
man--a prisoner--claims a suspect from a decades-old unsolved crime is
hiding out in the small town of Sanctuary, Missouri, she can't resist
following the lead in hopes of furthering her career.

Almost
immediately upon her arrival, Sophie's confronted with a face from her
past and fears her intention of using a false identity to investigate is
doomed. But with the help of Sanctuary's charismatic young pastor,
Sophie knows she's getting close. Will she be able to conceal the truth
of her own past long enough to find the suspect before someone puts a
stop--fatal or otherwise--to her investigation?

About the Author:

Nancy Mehl is the author of
twenty-one books, including the Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary
series. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her
husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit www.nancymehl.com to
learn more.

If you are looking for a sweet, light, Amish Christmas story, The Lopsided Christmas Cake might be just what you need. Twins Elma and Thelma find challenges and potential of love as they move to a new community to take over their grandparents' home and store. Much of the story is predictable, but sweet, fun, and quick to read.

Thanks to the authors and publisher for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Join the Hochstetler twin sisters on stage as they bumble their way
through baking a cake for a charity auction in front of a live audience.
The take-charge Elma and the klutzy optimist Thelma manage to entertain
their audience—and attract the admiration of two bachelors, an
outspoken woodworker and a shy harness maker from a neighboring Amish
community. As fall leads into the Christmas season, could romance be
blossoming for one or more of the Hochstetler twins? Find out in this
brand new romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

About the Authors:

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led
millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the
author of nearly 70 books with more than 8 million copies sold. Many of
her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today, CBA, ECPA, and CBD.
Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and
her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, and Country Woman. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages. For the writing of The Lopsided Christmas Cake, Wanda is joined by her daughter-in-law Jean.

Cindy Woodsmall's new Amish of Summer Grove series gets off to an intriguing start with Ties That Bind.

In addition to including many elements that are familiar in Amish fiction, this story deals with some topics not often included. Quill is an ex-Amish young man who now spends his time helping others who struggling with the choice to leave their community. How and why he does that is one of the big uncertainties throughout the story. Ariana and her family discover they have connections to the English world that could have far-reaching impacts on many people.

Cindy has created characters who are interesting to get to know, whose lives and struggles are easy to care about. There are questions and crises, twists and turns, that keep the story moving and interesting. And the ending leaves things hanging in a way that guarantees a need to look forward to the second book in the series!

Ties That Bind is a great read for fans of Amish fiction, just as you would expect from Cindy Woodsmall.

Thanks to Blogging for Books for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Ariana’s comfortable Old Order Amish world is
about to unravel. Will holding tightly to the cords of family keep them
together—or simply tear them apart?

Twenty-year-old Ariana Brenneman
loves her family and the Old Ways. She has two aspirations: open a café
in historic Summer Grove to help support her family’s ever-expanding
brood and to keep any other Amish from being lured into the Englisch
life by Quill Schlabach.

Five years ago Quill, along with her
dear friend Frieda, ran off together, and Ariana still carries the
wounds of that betrayal. When she unexpectedly encounters him, she soon
realizes he has plans to help someone else she loves leave the Amish.

Despite how things look, Quill’s goal has always been to protect Ariana
from anything that may hurt her, including the reasons he left. After
returning to Summer Grove on another matter, he unearths secrets about
Ariana and her family that she is unaware of. His love and loyalty to
her beckons him to try to win her trust and help her find a way to buy
the café—because when she learns the truth that connects her and a
stranger named Skylar Nash, Quill knows it may upend her life forever.

Ties That Bind is the first novel in the Amish of Summer Grove series.

About the Author:

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling
author who has written over a dozen works of fiction and one of
nonfiction book. Her connection with the Amish community has been widely
featured in national media outlets. She's been a finalist for the
prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year,
and Christian Retailers Choice Awards. Cindy and her husband reside
near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.

About Me

Faith and family are my highest priorities. My faith is in God. Without His strength for my life -- well I just wouldn't make it! My family includes my pastor husband, an adult son, an adult daughter and son-in-law, and the most precious grandsons and granddaughter there are! I retired after teaching high school math for 34 years.